Steering assembly for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a steering assembly (1) comprising a hub (12) supporting a steering column of a steering wheel, a support (11) for the steering wheel, the support (11) being fixed to the steering column and rotatably mounted relative to the hub (12), the support (11) comprising a plurality of electrical controls, an electrical connection system connecting the electrical controls to an on-board network of the motor vehicle, said electrical connection system making it possible to establish an electrical connection at the hub (12) and despite the rotation of the steering wheel and its support (11). The electrical connection system comprises first electrical connection members secured to the hub (12) and second electrical connection members secured to the support (11), said first electrical connection members collaborating with said second electrical connection members through a radial support.Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Steering assembly for a motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of steering wheel control systems for motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a steering assembly for a motor vehicle.

[0002] In current motor vehicles, the driver has an ever-increasing number of electrical or electronic devices - such as, for example, on-board computers, a car radio, a speed limiter / regulator, etc. - whose controls, in addition to conventional devices - such as, for example, direction indicators, lighting controls, windscreen wiper controls, etc. - are arranged on a dashboard and around the steering wheel. As a result, operating all of these controls is not always easy, particularly while the motor vehicle is in operation, and may even be dangerous.

[0003] In order to bring together all of the aforementioned functions on the steering wheel and close to the driver's hand, the use of so-called stalk controls is known, which take the form of control levers located on the steering wheel or in direct proximity to said steering control. Such electric controls are then rotated with the steering wheel.

[0004] It is clear that the electrical controls on board the steering wheel must, like all the others, be connected to an on-board network of the motor vehicle and to other on-board electronic devices, in particular at the dashboard level. Consequently, it is necessary to establish an electrical connection for these controls on board the steering wheel which is compatible with the rotation of said steering wheel.

[0005] For this purpose, in the state of the art, the use of electrical connection systems associated with the steering wheels of motor vehicles is known, and known in English as "clock spring wheel steering" and which can be translated as rotary connection for steering wheel. Such known electrical connection systems are essential for the electrical connection of the steering wheel controls and the proper functioning of the aforementioned functions.

[0006] Such electrical connection systems thus comprise very long electrical cables wound in a more or less complex manner in a housing and around the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. At a first end - that on the steering wheel side - the electrical cable is connected to the controls electrical connections on the steering wheel, while at a second end - the one on the dashboard side - the electrical cable is connected to the on-board network of the motor vehicle. Thus, this electrical connection system ensures the electrical connection despite the rotation of the steering wheel and in all circumstances.

[0007] A known drawback of such electrical connection systems lies in their wear: the successive and alternating rotations of the steering wheel induce friction and local heating which, in the long term, impair the good electrical conductivity of the cables wound around the axis of rotation of the steering wheel and cause the electrical connection system to fail.

[0008] Such a failure is not acceptable, because it in turn leads to more or less serious malfunctions of the motor vehicle and erroneous indications displayed on the dashboard. Among these malfunctions, we can cite in particular the unjustified lighting of an airbag warning light on the dashboard - which can lead to its premature deployment, or even its non-deployment in the event of an accident - or even malfunctions of certain electrical controls or the horn control on the steering wheel.

[0009] In order to solve these technical problems, the use of rollers is known in particular, which, integrated into the housing of the steering wheel housing the electrical cables of the electrical connection system, make it possible to minimize friction and facilitate the complex movements of the electrical cables inside their housing during successive rotations of the steering wheel. A known disadvantage of rollers lies both in the cost of their development and their integration into the housing of the steering wheel, as well as in the need for frequent maintenance and the increase in associated maintenance costs. In addition, the presence of dust or humidity, accumulated over time, can harm the expected performance of the rollers.

[0010] The use of lubricating gels associated with the electrical cables of known electrical connection systems is also known, in order to reduce friction and to guarantee a smooth movement of said electrical cables in their housing, during successive rotations of the steering wheel. The disadvantage of using a lubricant consists of problems of compatibility, noise and wear.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to propose a new steering assembly for a motor vehicle in order to address at least a large part of the above problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to allow a permanent and reliable electrical connection of the electrical connection system despite rotations of the steering wheel.

[0013] Another aim of the invention is to propose a simpler and more robust electrical connection system, making it possible to reduce both manufacturing costs and those maintenance.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a steering assembly for a motor vehicle, the steering assembly comprising:

[0015] - a steering column, one upper end of which is connected to a steering wheel direction ;

[0016] - a hub supporting the steering column near the steering wheel;

[0017] - a steering wheel support, the support being fixed to the steering column and rotatably mounted relative to the hub, the steering wheel support comprising a plurality of electrical controls;

[0018] - an electrical connection system connecting the electrical controls integral with the steering wheel support and an electrical assembly housed at a dashboard of the motor vehicle, said electrical connection system making it possible to establish an electrical connection at the hub and despite the rotation of the steering wheel and its support, the electrical connection system comprising first electrical connection members secured to the hub and second electrical connection members secured to the steering wheel support.

[0019] In the steering assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the first electrical connection members collaborate with the second electrical connection members through a radial support, relative to an axis of rotation of the steering wheel.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, the steering column extends from the steering wheel located in a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, the steering column being coupled to a rack via a helical coupling device and the rack being linked to the steered wheels of the motor vehicle via steering rods.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the first electrical connection members are configured to allow the movement of an electric current. The first electrical connection members are associated with the hub around which the steering wheel rotates.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the second electrical connection members are configured to allow the movement of an electric current. The second electrical connection members are associated with the steering wheel. Thus, the second electrical connection members are driven by a rotational movement relative to the first electrical connection members - around the axis of rotation - when the steering wheel is turned around its axis of rotation.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the first electrical connection members collaborate with the second electrical connection members in order to allow the passage of an electric current between them. Thus, the first electrical connection members and the second electrical connection members together form the electrical connection system within the meaning of the invention.

[0024] In a particularly original manner, the electrical connection between the first electrical connection members and the second electrical connection members is established through a surface support between said first electrical connection members and said second electrical connection members. This surface support is produced in a radial direction, that is to say oriented in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0025] This configuration is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to guarantee constant support between the first electrical connection members and the second electrical connection members, and therefore optimal operation of the electrical connection system and the steering assembly according to the invention.

[0026] The steering assembly according to the invention in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0027] - the first electrical connection members are animated by a movement of rotation relative to the second electrical connection members, when the steering wheel is turned. Alternatively, the second electrical connection members are driven in a rotational movement relative to the first electrical connection members, when the steering wheel is turned. More generally, when the steering wheel is turned, the first electrical connection members and the second electrical connection members are driven in a relative rotational movement;

[0028] - according to a first variant embodiment, the second connection members electrical comprise at least one electrical track which extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and the first electrical connection members comprise at least one electrical contactor which extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation opposite said at least one electrical track. Preferably, the second electrical connection members comprise a plurality of electrical tracks which all extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and the first electrical connection members comprise a plurality of electrical contactors which all extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation opposite said electrical tracks, each contactor being associated with only one of the electrical tracks.

[0029] - alternatively, according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the first electrical connection members comprise at least one electrical track which extends circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and the second electrical connection members comprise at least one electrical contactor which extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation opposite said at least one electrical track. Preferably, the first electrical connection members comprise a plurality of electrical tracks which all extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation, and the second electrical connection members comprise a plurality of electrical contactors which all extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation opposite said electrical tracks, each contactor being associated with only one of the electrical tracks;

[0030] - the electrical tracks extend coaxially with respect to each other, relative to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. More particularly, the electrical tracks extend concentrically with respect to each other, relative to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to spatially distribute each electrical track around the axis of rotation of the steering wheel for greater efficiency;

[0031] - the electrical tracks are integral with an annular support associated with the hub, the annular support comprising a plurality of grooves extending in a circular manner around the axis of rotation of the steering wheel, each electrical track being housed in one of said grooves. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the installation of the electrical tracks opposite the electrical contactors forming the second electrical connection members;

[0032] - the electrical tracks are electrically insulated from each other, the first electrical connection members comprising an electrical insulator placed in an intermediate position between two adjacent electrical tracks. According to a particularly advantageous variant embodiment, the annular support and / or the grooves in which each electrical track is housed is formed from an electrically insulating material;

[0033] - all electrical tracks extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to simplify the installation of the electrical tracks opposite the electrical contactors forming the second electrical connection members;

[0034] - each electrical track has a conductive face located directly opposite associated electrical contactors. In particular, each electrical track takes the form of a metal plate securely attached to the steering wheel support. The metal plates are securely attached to the annular support, for example by gluing, welding or mechanical clamping;

[0035] - the second electrical connection members comprise a connection tab which extends directly above the electrical connection tracks, the connection lug supporting all electrical contactors. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to locate the first electrical connection devices on a single electrical connection lug and to simplify the wiring;

[0036] - the connecting tab extends parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of steering wheel rotation. More generally, the connecting tab extends across the connecting tracks;

[0037] - each electrical contactor is mounted to slide relative to the tab of connection, so as to be movable in translation in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the steering wheel. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to guarantee contact between the electrical contactors and the electrical tracks located opposite;

[0038] - preferably, each contactor is associated with a force generating device which pushes said electrical contactor towards the electrical track located opposite. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each electrical contactor is of the Pogo® pin type;

[0039] - the force generating device associated with each contactor comprises a spring. At a first axial end, the spring is pressed against the connection lug. At a second axial end, the spring is pressed against the electrical contactor. A first end of the electrical contactor is therefore pressed against the spring, while a second end of the electrical contactor - the free end of said electrical contactor - is pressed radially against the electrical track located opposite. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to guarantee permanent contact between the electrical contactors and the electrical tracks located opposite, despite the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a steering assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0042] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0043] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly of direction according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0044] [Fig.2] illustrates a truncated three-dimensional view of the steering wheel support of the steering assembly shown in [Fig.l];

[0045] [Fig.3] illustrates a first detailed view of the support illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0046] [Fig.4] illustrates a second detail view of the support illustrated in [Fig.2];

[0047] [Fig.5] illustrates a truncated three-dimensional view of the steering hub of the steering assembly illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0048] [Fig.6] illustrates a first detailed view of the first connection members electrical hub illustrated in [Fig.5];

[0049] [Fig.7] illustrates a second detailed view of the first connection members electrical hub shown in [Fig.5];

[0050] [Fig.8] illustrates a first three-dimensional detailed and truncated view of the electrical connection elements of the steering assembly illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0051] [Fig.9] illustrates a second three-dimensional detailed and truncated view of the electrical connection elements of the steering assembly shown in [Fig.l].

[0052] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0053] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0054] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0055] With reference to FIGURES 1, 2 and 5, the invention relates to a steering assembly 1 for a motor vehicle, the steering assembly 1 comprising:

[0056] - a steering column, one upper end of which is connected to a steering wheel direction ;

[0057] - a hub 12 supporting the steering column near the steering wheel;

[0058] - a support 11 of the steering wheel, the support 11 being fixed to the column of steering and rotatably mounted relative to the hub 12, the support 11 of the steering wheel comprising a plurality of electric controls;

[0059] - an electrical connection system 13 connecting the integral electrical controls of the support 11 of the steering wheel and an electrical assembly housed at the level of a dashboard of the motor vehicle, said electrical connection system 13 making it possible to establish an electrical connection at the level of the hub 12 and despite the rotation of the steering wheel and its support 11, the electrical connection system 13 comprising first electrical connection members 132 secured to the hub 12 and second electrical connection members 131 secured to the support 11 of the steering wheel.

[0060] In the steering assembly 1 according to the first aspect of the invention, the first electrical connection members 132 collaborate with the second electrical connection members 131 through a radial support, relative to an axis of rotation 01 of the steering wheel. In other words, the first electrical connection members 132 collaborate with the second electrical connection members 131 through a support made in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation 01 of the steering wheel.

[0061] Thus, the second electrical connection members 131 are driven by a rotational movement, relative to the rotation axis 01 and relative to the first electrical connection members 132 which themselves remain immobile.

[0062] The first electrical connection members 132 are electrically connected to electrical devices located on a dashboard of the motor vehicle or an on-board network of said motor vehicle via electrical wires 14. Similarly, the second electrical connection members 131 are electrically connected to electrical devices located on the steering wheel via electrical wires 14. Thus, the first electrical connection members 132 and the second electrical connection members 131 make it possible to electrically connect the electrical devices associated with the steering wheel to the dashboard and / or to the on-board network of the motor vehicle, via a rotary electrical connection.

[0063] The first electrical connection members 132 and the second electrical connection members 131 together form the electrical connection system 13 within the meaning of the invention.

[0064] With reference to FIGURES 5, 6 and 7, the first electrical connection members 132 comprise a plurality of electrical tracks 1322 which all extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation 01. The electrical tracks 1322 all extend coaxially with respect to each other, relative to the axis of rotation 01. More particularly, the electrical tracks 1322 extend concentrically with respect to each other, relative to the axis of rotation 01.

[0065] In particular, the electrical tracks 1322 are integral with an annular support 1321 associated with the hub 12. The annular support 1321 makes it possible to place the electrical tracks 1322 opposite the steering wheel and its support 11. The annular support 1321 takes the form of a disc which extends around the axis of rotation 01, the disc being mounted integral with the hub 12. Furthermore, at an inner radial end - that is to say close to the axis of rotation 01, the annular support 1321 comprises a annular rim 1324 which projects from said annular support 1321. In other words, the annular rim 1324 takes the form of a cylindrical bearing surface which extends parallel to the axis of rotation 01.

[0066] The electrical tracks 1322 forming the first electrical connection members 132 are associated with the annular rim 1324 of the annular support 1321. Preferably, the electrical tracks 1322 extend against the annular rim 1324 and around the axis of rotation 01. Each electrical track 1322 is placed at a distance from the adjacent electrical track 1322, relative to the axis of rotation 01, in order to avoid any electrical contact between them.

[0067] As visible in the detail views of FIGURES 8 and 9, the annular support 1321 - and more particularly the annular rim 1324 - comprises a plurality of grooves extending in a circular manner around the axis of rotation 01, each electrical track 1322 being housed in one of said grooves. In other words, the grooves form spacers between two adjacent electrical tracks 1322. The grooves thus make it possible to simplify the installation of the electrical tracks 1322 on the support 11.

[0068] Additionally, it is advantageous for the electrical tracks 1322 to be electrically insulated from one another. For this purpose, the first electrical connection members 132 comprise an electrical insulator 1323 placed in an intermediate position between two adjacent electrical tracks 1322. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, and as seen in particular in FIGURES 8 and 9, the annular support 1321 and / or the grooves forming the spacers between two adjacent electrical tracks 1322 are formed from an electrically insulating material.

[0069] With reference to FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, the second electrical connection members 131 comprise a plurality of electrical contactors 1312 which all extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation 01 opposite the electrical tracks 1322 formed by the first electrical connection members 132, each contactor being associated with only one of the electrical tracks 1322.

[0070] The second electrical connection members 131 comprise a connection tab 1311 which extends directly above the electrical connection tracks. The connection tab 1311 supports all the electrical contactors 1312 forming the second electrical connection members 131. As can be seen in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, the connection tab 1311 forms a prismatic bearing surface which extends parallel to the axis of rotation 01 and directly above the first electrical connection members 132. In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, and as can be seen more particularly in [Fig. 8], the connection tab 1311 extends radially outside the electrical connection tracks forming the first electrical connection members 132. Alternatively, according to an alternative embodiment not shown, the connection tab 1311 extends radially inside the connection tracks electrical forming the first electrical connection members 132.

[0071] Thus, all the contactors forming the second electrical connection members 131s are located on and along the connection tab 1311. The contactors thus extend, in a direction perpendicular and radial to the axis of rotation 01, between the connection tab 1311 and the electrical tracks 1322 located opposite, at least one contactor is associated with each electrical track 1322. Preferably, in order to ensure greater redundancy and electrical reliability, several contactors arranged in series or in parallel with each other are associated with each electrical track 1322. In other words, the same electrical track 1322 forming the first electrical connection members 132 is electrically connected to several contactors forming the second electrical connection members 131. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in [Fig.7] for example, each electrical track 1322 is associated with three contactors.

[0072] The connecting tab 1311 extends parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 01 of the steering wheel, i.e. across the connecting tracks.

[0073] In order to guarantee an optimal and constant electrical connection, each electrical contactor 1312 is mounted to slide relative to the connection tab 1311, so as to be movable in translation in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation 01. Preferably, as visible in the detailed view illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9, each contactor comprises an electrical contact pad 1314 associated with a force-generating device 1313 - for example a spring - which pushes said electrical contact pad 1314 in the direction of the electrical track 1322 located opposite.

[0074] Each contactor is advantageously housed in a housing 1315, and the force generating device 1313 is placed in an intermediate position between the housing 1315 and the electrical contact pad 1314, so as to retract said electrical contact pad 1314 from said housing 1315. At a first axial end, the spring bears against the connection tab 1311, at the bottom of the housing 1315. At a second axial end, the spring bears against the electrical contact pad 1314. A first end of the electrical contact pad 1314 therefore bears against the spring, while a second end of the electrical contact pad 1314 - the free end of said electrical contactor 1312 - bears radially against the electrical track 1322 located opposite.

[0075] In summary, the invention relates to a steering assembly 1 for a motor vehicle, the steering assembly 1 comprising a hub 12 supporting a steering column near a steering wheel in order to allow its rotation around an axis of rotation 01, a support 11 for the steering wheel, the support 11 being fixed to the steering column and rotatably mounted relative to the hub 12, the support 11 of the steering wheel comprising a plurality of electrical controls, an electrical connection system 13 connecting the electrical controls secured to the support 11 of the steering wheel to an on-board network of the motor vehicle, said electrical connection system 13 making it possible to establish an electrical connection at the hub 12 and despite the rotation of the steering wheel and its support 11. The electrical connection system 13 comprises first electrical connection members 132 secured to the hub 12 and second electrical connection members 131 secured to the support 11 of the steering wheel, said first electrical connection members 132 collaborating with said second electrical connection members 131 through a radial support, relative to an axis of rotation 01 of the steering wheel.

[0076] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Steering assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, the steering assembly (1) comprising: - a steering column, an upper end of which is connected to a steering wheel; - a hub (12) supporting the steering column in the vicinity of the steering wheel; - a support (11) for the steering wheel, the support (11) being fixed to the steering column and rotatably mounted relative to the hub (12), the support (11) for the steering wheel comprising a plurality of electrical controls;- an electrical connection system (13) connecting the electrical controls secured to the support (11) of the steering wheel and an electrical assembly housed at a dashboard of the motor vehicle, said electrical connection system (13) making it possible to establish an electrical connection at the hub (12) and despite the rotation of the steering wheel and its support (11), said electrical connection system (13) comprising first electrical connection members (132) secured to the hub (12) and second electrical connection members (131) secured to the support (11) of the steering wheel; characterized in that the first electrical connection members (132) collaborate with the second electrical connection members (131) through a radial support, relative to an axis of rotation (01) of the steering wheel.;

2. Steering assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first electrical connection members (132) comprise a plurality of electrical tracks (1322) which all extend circumferentially around the axis of rotation (01), and the second electrical connection members (131) comprise a plurality of electrical contactors (1312) which all extend perpendicular to the axis of rotation (01) opposite said electrical tracks (1322), each contactor being associated with only one of the electrical tracks (1322).

3. Steering assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrical tracks (1322) extend concentrically with respect to each other, relative to the axis of rotation (01) of the steering wheel.

4. Steering assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in which the electrical tracks (1322) are electrically insulated from each other, the first electrical connection members (132) comprising an electrical insulator (1323) placed in an intermediate position between two adjacent electrical tracks (1322).

5. Steering assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which each electrical track (1322) comprises a conductive face located directly opposite the associated electrical contactors (1312).

6. Steering assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, in which the second electrical connection members (131) comprise a connection tab (1311) which extends directly above the electrical connection tracks, the connection tab (1311) supporting all the electrical contactors (1312).

7. Steering assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting tab (1311) extends parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (01) of the steering wheel.

8. Steering assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, in which each electrical contactor (1312) is slidably mounted relative to the connecting tab (1311), so as to be movable in translation in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (01) of the steering wheel.

9. Steering assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which each contactor is associated with a force generating device (1313) which pushes said contactor towards the electrical track (1322) located opposite.

10. Motor vehicle comprising a steering assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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